Football field diagram and positions

Football is played on a large
rectangular grass field. Some
common characteristics include:

End zone:
Area where touchdowns are scored.

Goal-line:
When the ball crosses the opponent’s
goal-line while a player has
possession of it, a touchdown
is scored.

Goal-posts:
Two upright posts extending
above a crossbar at the back
of each end zone for field goals
and extra points.

Sidelines:
Boundary lines running the length
of the field.

Positions

Each team is permitted a total
of 11 players on the field at
a time.

Offense

The following players are “eligible”
receivers who can catch passes
or run with the ball. TheQuarterback
is the captain on offense who
throws passes to receivers and
hands the ball to running backs.
Running
Backs are versatile
players who run the ball, receive
passes, and block. Wide
Receivers are tall,
quick players who are the main
targets of pass attempts. Tight
Ends are used to block,
but are also eligible to catch
passes. Offensive linemen are
“ineligible” receivers—they
cannot catch passes unless the
ball is tipped and cannot run
the ball unless it is fumbled
by another player. The offensive
line consists of one Center
who delivers the snap to the
quarterback, two Guards
and two Tackles.
Offensive linemen are blockers
who protect the quarterback
on passing plays and create
holes for running backs on running
plays.

Defense

The defensive line includes
Defensive
Tackles, who try to
negate forward progress in the
middle of the field and Defensive
Ends, who defend the
outside edges against runs and
are the primary players who
rush the quarterback on pass
plays. Other defenders include:
Linebackers,
the primary tacklers on running
plays who can also blitz the
quarterback or drop into coverage
to defend against pass attempts;
Cornerbacks,
who cover receivers during passing
plays and assist on running
plays; and Safeties,
who form the final line of defense,
aid in coverage of receivers,
or jump into the action to stop
running plays.

Special Teams

In addition to the offensive
and defensive teams, there are
also “special teams”
that are used for specific types
of plays, including field goal
attempts and blocks, punts and
punt returns, and kickoffs and
kickoff returns.